Total alkalinity is the total concentration of bases and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water expressed as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These bases are usually bicarbonates (HCO3) and carbonates (CO3), and they act as a buffer system that prevents drastic changes in pH. The desired range is 80ppm to 160ppm depending on the pool surface. Ask your Pool Pro Professional what the correct range is for your pool.
Low Alkalinity increases the sensitivity of pH. Water with a low Alkalinity level can quickly go from a high pH to a low pH and then back again. This is called pH bounce and it can be damaging to the pool and equipment.
To adjust Total Alkalinity up use Pool Pro Buffer.
High Total Alkalinity decreases the sensitivity of pH. The result is usually high pH and lower chlorine efficiency. It can also result in scale formation and cloudy water.
Use Pool Pro Hydrochloric Acid or Pool Pro Dry Acid to lower Total Alkalinity when it is too high. Your Pool Pro Professional can give you the correct dosages.
If you are adjusting both pH and Total Alkalinity, adjust the Total Alkalinity first.
Your Blue Devil Test Kit Reagents should be less than one year old for reliable readings. Keep the test kit in a cool dry place, away from sunlight and preferably keep it refrigerated. If you are using Pool Check Test Strips they have a use-by date on the label.
AS WITH ALL CHEMICALS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE. NEVER MIX CHEMICALS AND NEVER ADD WATER TO CHEMICALS, ALWAYS ADD CHEMICALS TO WATER.
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